First Years

What is the SPIL

The SPIL is the study association for students of Political Science and Political Science – International Relations and Organizations at the university of Leiden. With over a thousand members the SPIL is one of the biggest study associations of Leiden and The Hague. Throughout the whole year there are activities and excursions to the OPCW, Foreign Affairs, the Senate and the NRC (Dutch newspaper) to name a few. There are also activities more closely related to the study like a lecture boat, workshops and an intern and career evening. The SPIL also organizes study trips every year, a short trip within Europe and a long trip outside of Europe. During these trips a lot of political relevant organizations are visited to give people a broader understanding of the country. Last but not least the SPIL organizes informal activities like parties, pub quizzes and movie nights to name a few.

When can I get acquainted with the SPIL

There are a few opportunities for this. During the first year weekend for example in August. The SPIL also has stalls during the EL CID (Intro week Leiden) and the HOP-week (Introduction week Den Haag). There will also be a sociable drink organized in the first week of the new year college year. You could also always come say hi in our office (SB03) or join an activity.

How do I become a member

As a member of the SPIL you'll receive a lot of advantages.

You'll be welcome at all the activities that the SPIL organizes. These are both activites relating to the study (like readings, debates and excursions) as social activities (parties and movie nights to name a few) during which you'll get to know your fellow students better. You can also choose to enlist for the study trips that the SPL organizes.

Four times a year you'll get the semi-scientific Debat, written for students by students, send home.

You'll receive a discount your study books. You can order your necessary books for the courses on our website. As a member you'll receive 16% discount on all books!

You can improve upon your professional capabilities by joining a committee or to apply to join the board.

And all this for only 16 euros per year – which you'll have earned back in no time because of the discount on the books!

How can I become active at the SPIL?

It is of course essential to improve upon your academic capabilities during your time as a student. It is just as essential for students to improve upon their professional capabilities, which are not directly taught in the study. For students of Political Science and Political Science – International Relations and Organizations the SPIL is the ideal environment in which to develop these capabilities. At the beginning of each school year the board sets up interview rounds during which students can apply for a position in a committee. (An exception is the EJW committee which has interview rounds in December.) Every board member decides upon his or her own interview procedure for the committees which they’ll chair that year.

Click here to find out more about the committees and click here to enlist for one.

Can I buy my books from the SPIL site?

Yes you can, four times a year the SPIL organizes a book sale. Students of Political Science and IRO can buy their books here with a big discount! To make use of the book sale one needs to be a SPIL member. As a SPIL member you'll receive 10% discount on Dutch titles and 16% discount on English! Thanks to these discounts there is a big chance that you won't find these books anywhere else cheaper. You can order the books online which then get delivered straight to your front door! That's why you should quickly order your books so you have them on time for the coming lectures. If you should have questions about the book sale please don't hesitate to contact the education commissioner via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please Note: the Study association for Political Science in Leiden (SPIL) can't take back bought books or give back money. If there are problems with your delivery please contact the customer support of Studystore. On their webshop you can find their contact data. Ordering your books from the SPIL is only possible if you are a member of the SPIL.

I have a different question

if you have any other questions don't hesitate to mail us, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., phone us, 071-5273872, or visit us in our office at the FSW (SB03)

If you have a question for the study advisor you can mail them or visit their office. Daniëlle Lovink is the study advisor for students whose last name begin with A to K. She is in her office 5B03 on Mondays, Tuesday morning, Wednesday morning, Thursday and Friday. You can also reach her at her email address:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Ariane Berends is the study advisor for students whose last name begin with L to Z. She is in her office 5B03A on Monday mornings, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. She can also be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.